Where was the Granada Emirate?

The Iberian Peninsula is a multinational and multicultural space where two large modern European states coexist peacefully - Spain and Portugal. These territories are very colorful not only in terms of peoples, but also famous for their natural complexes. The centuries-old history has left its traces in architecture and in the minds of citizens.

Rise and fall

Where was the Granada Emirate? The city of Granada itself is located right at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range from its north-eastern side. Part of the suburb, which is called the "old", is on three hills: Sabika, Sakromonte and Albaycin.

Modern Granada was formerly inhabited by Iberian tribes. They also built a settlement, which was later conquered by the Romans and named Illyberis.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Granada region was given to the vandals, but in 534 the state of the latter ceased to exist, and the area passed into the hands of the Byzantines. But already in the 7th century the Iberian state began to expand on this place.

The most imprint on the modern view of Granada was imposed by the Moors. It was they who captured the city in 711 and even renamed it Kalat Gartata. During the period of stay on these lands of the Moors the city was transformed in terms of architecture, received a kind of cultural raid and way of life. Granada has become a scientific and cultural center, here the production of silk and elite weapons began.

In 1012, the Berbers captured Granada and its ruler Zawi ibn Ziri, who made the city the seat of the government dynasty of the Zirids, had to leave the throne. For the century of their rule, the boundaries of the city have expanded significantly, and Granada has become the richest city of Andalusia. The longest time on these lands was the power of the Nisrid dynasty, under which the Granada emirate was formed. Until 1492, many architectural monuments appeared in Granada, which are associated with the Arab period.

By the end of the XV century, the Granada Emirate was a stronghold of Islamic religion and culture.

The Reconquista did not pass by these lands, and under the onslaught of Spanish kings the city fell. This event led to the decline of a flourishing city, it became an ordinary provincial Spanish town. The appearance of the streets, buildings and the whole city also changed.

Life of the Granada Emirate

Where was the Granada Emirate located? On what peninsula was one of the old strongholds of the Islamic religion? The last Muslim state in Europe lasted until 1492. Being in the territory of the Iberian Peninsula in the high-mountainous region of the Mediterranean, it was difficult to access to the enemy, it was difficult to surround and isolate. This became the reason for the viability of the state itself.

The Granada Emirate existed on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula for more than 250 years. And besides the advantageous geographical position, this was facilitated by other factors.

Despite the religious contradictions of Islam and Christianity, the more pressing problems of the medieval world remained completely different. On the peninsula, people from various religions lived. At the same time, they did not live far from each other, many Catholics lived on Muslim lands and vice versa. Muslims occupied a significant part of the population. The third significant nationality was the Jews. The inhomogeneity of living gradually smoothed out the contradictions between peoples and religions and made it possible to form a special type of lifestyle and culture of the emirate.

Wars

Civil strife on the Iberian peninsula did not always arise on religious grounds, but more because of the struggle for new territories. In addition to Granada, another Muslim force was the North African Marinids. They, like all other forces, concluded short-lived alliances and armistice, which lost their relevance in literally in a matter of days. In the Middle Ages, three basic kingdoms clearly stood out here: the Aragonese, Castilian and Portuguese. Dissociation and strife only weakened them.

Culture and religion

Where is the Granada Emirate now? Granada is a beautiful and unique city, not only from a historical point of view. A ripe pomegranate fruit is a heraldic symbol of this truly heavenly place. The Granada Emirate is located in the east of Andalusia, in the south of modern Spain.

Religious Tolerance

Christians, Jews and Muslims have been left with the right to perform their religious rites in their own churches. Only in return should they recognize the secular authority and pay certain taxes.

Language

In the emirate, there was no official language. In the legal proceedings and the highest circles of society, both Arabic and Latin and Hebrew languages were fully used. This was due to the high level of development of Muslim Spain and the presence in the state apparatus of educated Jews and Christians. The entire population was under the general protection of the ruler irrespective of religion and nationality.

Economic development

The capital of the Granada Emirate, Granada, is the most economically developed of all the cities of the autonomous community of Andalusia.

The population was engaged in agriculture and crafts. In connection with the provisions of the Koran and the ban on the use of pork, sheep breeding developed.

The mild Mediterranean climate made it possible to actively develop agriculture and except for the cultivation of cereals, gardening and the cultivation of olive trees were well developed here.

Craftsmen occupied whole blocks of large Islamic cities. Craft was a family activity or occupation of whole communities. Community life was very active in terms of protecting its inhabitants and custody of the poor and sick of its members.

Trade

The constant state of the war absolutely did not weaken the internal and external trade of the peninsula. In times of truces, merchants were even more intensively mastering the markets of their opponents. The main trading partners were neighbors - the coast of North Africa and Christian kingdoms. The main products were: olive oil, wool, weapons and jewelry. From Africa to the Granada emirate was brought a valuable ivory, spices and cotton.

Alhambra

The world famous landmark of Granada is the legendary palace complex of the Alhambra. It was built during the reign of the Mauritanian dynasty Nisrid. Until now, its walls rise on a hill and are visible from every corner of the city. This is not just a military structure, but also the whole residence of Muslim rulers.

The Granada Emirate today is a beautiful place on the Iberian Peninsula, which unites several states and has a rich, centuries-old history.